Busy weekend (Strut/knucke swap, Tie rods, balljoints, axleshafts)

[Intlcutlass]

My arms feel like jello, and my back is f'n killing me and my hands are raw.......LOL--I'm such a pussy..

 

 

BUT, I did it all, I am now running the 96 monte strut/knuckles with Intrax springs.

 

About 2 years ago, I had Firestone replace my ball joints. So when I replaced the knuckles, I didn't want to void my lifetime warrenty, so I unbolted them from the old strut knuckle, and left them installed on the LCA.

 

The instructions that turbosedan listed for the strut/knuckle install were PERFECT. Thanks man.

 

The axles popped right out.... no problems there.(New CV joints....)

 

The tie rods.... I couldn't get the jamnut loose..... So I cut the nut in half.This was nerveracking because I didn't want to damade the threads... but it worked. No damage to the threads, then I just counted the number of turns to get the old tie rods off (17.5 turns)....I had to cut off the bolt where the tir tod connect to the knuckle too... I couldn't get that part loose.... I didn't matter anyway because I was putting on new rod ends, on new knuckles....

 

Of course I got the larger brakes installed, and my new Stainless steel brake lines should be here today, I will install those hopefully this weekend.

 

Something still sounds loose up front... Minor rattling somewhere... I am pretty sure it's because when I was putting the springs on, I had no way of tighting the nut all the way down on the strut mount... (I need to get that tool from Autozone (free rental)) Where you use the torx bit to hold the shaft in place while you tightn the nut...Mine is only tight to the point where the shaft started spinning .... I hope to get the birchmount in this weekend, and get all the struts changed out....

 

If anyone has any pointers on how to get the monoleaf outta there please let me know.....

[SigEpCutlass]

You should have pics of this install!!! I for one am really iterested to see what you did!

[Intlcutlass]

I vowed to not show pics till she's done (embarresed)....

 

Once it's painted... I show pics...

 

I have only ever shown 1 pic of the car ever... Shawn probably doubt's I own a W-body!!! j/k LOL

 

Paint is comming.... I am not sure of the color though.... Black, or gunmetal gray...

 

[SigEpCutlass]

k cool. keep us updated.

[DiscoStudd]

Definitely let us know how you faired against the monoleaf. Makes me realize that I gotta get off my lazy ass and install my Intrax and Birchmount springs ...

[GnatGoSplat]

I have only ever shown 1 pic of the car ever... Shawn probably doubt's I own a W-body!!! j/k LOL

 

Nah, I've seen it... those pics when your door and fender got smashed.

Black on top and dark gray on the bottom is the color scheme I'd go for! I love that look.

 

As for the monoleaf, I can't imagine it'd be very easy to remove without the proper tool. I'd lend it to you if you were local!

 

[Intlcutlass]

I have only ever shown 1 pic of the car ever... Shawn probably doubt's I own a W-body!!! j/k LOL

 

Nah, I've seen it... those pics when your door and fender got smashed.

Black on top and dark gray on the bottom is the color scheme I'd go for! I love that look.

 

As for the monoleaf, I can't imagine it'd be very easy to remove without the proper tool. I'd lend it to you if you were local!

 

 

I forgot I posted those..... Thats was bad....

 

Do you think if it was jacked up under the spring and it was let down slowly with upper mounts disconnected, that I could get it out that way?

 

 

[GnatGoSplat]

Do you think if it was jacked up under the spring and it was let down slowly with upper mounts disconnected, that I could get it out that way?

 

Yeah, I think that's how Pabz swapped his rear spring.

 

[Guest TurboSedan]

i gotta remove my monoleaf soon. i was just going to:

 

- get car up as high as possible on jackstands

- remove the upper/center mounts

- use a hydraulic floor jack to relieve spring pressure on the knuckle

- remove trailing arm & lateral arm bolts then pull strut & knuckle outwards

- slowly let jack down and remove spring

 

should this work ok? i suppose i could just take a sawzall to the spring and then pull it out j/k

 

it's been so long since i did this to my Cutlass i honestly forgot how i did it. i'm pretty sure it was the wrong way though haha.[br]Posted on: May 01, 2006, 01:54:06 PM_________________________________________________

Do you think if it was jacked up under the spring and it was let down slowly with upper mounts disconnected, that I could get it out that way?

 

Yeah, I think that's how Pabz swapped his rear spring.

 

 

are you guys talking about the upper strut mounts or the upper spring mounts near the center of the monoleaf? because if unbolting the upper strut mounts and lowering the suspension will let you remove the monoleaf i think i'd rather do it that way.

[Intlcutlass]

 

are you guys talking about the upper strut mounts or the upper spring mounts near the center of the monoleaf? because if unbolting the upper strut mounts and lowering the suspension will let you remove the monoleaf i think i'd rather do it that way.

 

Yep....